At the entrance to Beyond-the-World Valley, the cultivator on guard was dozing with his eyes closed in the watchtower when he suddenly raised his head, looking down with a hint of wariness.
The person passing through the gate was a young man dressed in rich finery, with no trace of vital energy about him...
"Wait, why doesn't he even have a heartbeat or pulse?"
This was either some method of concealing vital energy, or he was something other than human.
He came down from the watchtower. "Fellow Daoist, please wait."
Li Ling smiled faintly and walked over. "What is it, fellow Daoist?"
The gatekeeper discreetly sized him up and said, "Your face is quite unfamiliar, fellow Daoist. Have you come to visit relatives and friends, or to trade? If it's the latter, you'll need to register first. Did the friend who referred you here mention that?"
Understanding dawned on Li Ling. "Yes, yes, I know all the rules. Sorry for the trouble, fellow Daoist, but could you find someone to take me somewhere to stay first?"
As he spoke, he handed over several spirit stones.
The gatekeeper weighed them in his hand, and a warm, friendly smile spread across his face. "Wonderful, you've already learned our rules. I watch the gate and keep the night watch here in the valley. Since I have nothing else to do anyway, I'll personally make the trip for you."
He called out to the mortals who had come out beside the gatehouse to see what was happening, then abandoned his post and led Li Ling inside with a beaming smile.
Beyond-the-World Valley was a secluded paradise, small in area but widening gradually along the cliffs to form a fan-shaped space.
The sky was gray and hazy, and it was doubtful whether this place was